Goa’s journey towards becoming a premier tourist destination received a significant boost as the Honourable Minister for Tourism, Shri Rohan Khaunte, engaged in a crucial meeting with the Union Minister for Ports, Shipping, Waterways, and Minister for Ayush, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal ji, in New Delhi. The primary objective of this meeting was to discuss and strategize various initiatives aimed at further enhancing Goa’s status as a preferred tourist hotspot. The fruitful exchange of ideas between the two ministers laid the groundwork for future developments that would shape the tourism landscape of the state.
During the meeting, Shri Sonowal ji expressed his unwavering commitment to supporting the tourism industry in Goa and offered invaluable insights to bolster its growth. Recognizing the natural beauty that Goa is abundantly blessed with, the Union Minister emphasized the importance of fully exploring and showcasing these treasures to both domestic and international tourists. This acknowledgement aligns with the collective vision of promoting Goa’s unique attractions, captivating landscapes, and vibrant culture to a wider audience.
In a momentous event that coincided with his visit to Delhi, Shri Khaunte also had the privilege of participating in the inaugural function of the National Museum Expo at Pragati Maidan. The presence of the Honorable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi ji, added prestige to the occasion and provided an excellent platform for Shri Khaunte to highlight the cultural heritage of Goa and emphasize its immense potential as a tourist haven. The event served as a testament to the state’s commitment to showcasing its rich history and traditions to the world.
The meeting between Shri Khaunte and Shri Sonowal ji also delved into the implementation of upcoming projects under the ambitious Sagarmala initiative. This initiative, which focuses on the development of ports, shipping, and coastal communities, presented a unique opportunity to harness the potential of Goa’s coastal areas for tourism. The discussions revolved around exploring diverse tourism-related schemes and projects that would not only attract visitors but also contribute to the growth and prosperity of the tourism sector in Goa. It was evident that both ministers shared a common vision of transforming Goa into a world-class tourist destination.
Furthermore, Shri Khaunte’s visit to Delhi provided an ideal opportunity for him to review the progress of ongoing tourism projects in Goa with Union Minister for Tourism, Shri G Kishan Reddy ji. Their in-depth discussions covered a wide range of topics, including the preparedness for the upcoming G20 Tourism meetings scheduled for June 2023. This engagement reflected the state government’s commitment to actively collaborating with the central government in driving tourism development in Goa.
The proposals put forth by Shri Khaunte during the meeting included two significant projects: Swadesh Darshan 2.0 and Mini Prasad. Swadesh Darshan 2.0 aims to develop theme-based tourist circuits that allow visitors to immerse themselves in various facets of Goa’s rich heritage and culture. Meanwhile, the Mini Praasad project seeks to enhance the infrastructure and amenities at pilgrimage sites in the state. The Union Minister expressed his wholehearted support for these proposals and reassured Shri Khaunte of the central government’s backing in repositioning Goa as a captivating tourist destination.
The meeting between Shri Khaunte and Shri Sonowal ji was not only fruitful but also underscored the unwavering commitment of the Goa government towards the development and promotion of tourism. As the state of Goa embarks on a journey of tourism development on a massive scale, the collaboration between the central and state governments, as well as the visionary leadership of Shri Khaunte, will play a pivotal role in reshaping the tourism landscape of Goa. With a renewed focus on infrastructure, cultural preservation, and sustainable tourism practices, Goa is poised to attract a larger influx of tourists, both domestically and internationally, solidifying its position as a top-tier tourist destination.
